Biological profile and risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients at Adlucem hospital in Banka-Bafang, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite availability of preventive vaccine and global control of the SARS-CoV-19 transmission, continuous emergence of new strains coupled with the increase spread of Mpox poses significant public health threats. Identification of simple factors for stratification and prognostics of hospitalized patients is crucial for management of these patients in limited resource settings. The aim of this study was to assess the biological profile of severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Cameroon and identify risk factors for mortality. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted of a cohort of COVID-19 patients admitted and managed at the Adlucem hospital in Banka-Bafang, Haut-Nkam Department, West Cameroon Region, from 2021 to 2022. The clinical characteristics and biological parameters of patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 259 cases of COVID-19 included in the study, 68 cases (26.3%) died. The majority of patients who died were over 70 years of age. Key factors predictive of mortality in these patients were leukocytosis (OR = 2.035; 95%CI: 1.161-3.567; p = 0.013), thrombocytosis (OR = 4.286; 95%CI: 1.152-15.950; p = 0.030), hypokalemia (OR = 2.400; 95%CI: 1.143-5.042; p = 0.021), hyponatremia (OR = 2.292; 95%CI: 1.185-4.431; p = 0.014) and hypochloremia (OR = 2.644; 95%CI: 1.188-5.882; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Age, electrolyte imbalance and thrombocytosis were predictive of death in COVID-19 patients in this cohort. Thus, a biological work-up should be considered for risk stratification to ensure efficient management of COVID-19 patients on a case-by-case basis in resource limited settings like Cameroon. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.